The School of Music of The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA) and The Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra (HKCO) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking a significant milestone in their long standing partnership and reaffirming their shared commitment to nurturing young musical talent and advancing the development of Chinese music in Hong Kong and beyond.
Building on years of artistic exchange, education, and collaboration like the HKCO Professional Training Programme (since 2006) and the International Masterclass of Chinese Music Conducting Masterclass (since 2009), the MoU establishes a strategic framework for deeper cooperation that leverages the complementary strengths of both institutions. Through this partnership, HKAPA and HKCO aim to create meaningful professional pathways for emerging musicians while contributing to the long term cultural and creative development of Hong Kong’s Chinese music scene.
Dr Iñaki Sandoval, Dean of the School of Music of HKAPA says, “This MoU represents a wonderful milestone in what has been a long standing and deeply valued collaboration between the School of Music of HKAPA and the HKCO. It is a significant achievement that reflects our shared vision for nurturing the next generation of musicians. Through this partnership, our students will benefit from professional internships and mentorship opportunities that connect music education at the highest level with genuine professional immersion. Both institutions will also co organise a wide range of public events and artistic initiatives—such as concerts, festivals, conferences, workshops, seminars, and competitions—to promote Chinese music in Hong Kong and internationally. By nurturing young talent and fostering artistic excellence, this collaboration will contribute meaningfully to the sustainable development of Chinese music in Hong Kong and beyond. I would like to express my sincere thanks to Professor Yan Huichang and Dr Celina Chin Man-wah for their continuous support and inspiring and dedicated work with the HKCO.”
Professor Yan Huichang, HKCO Artistic Director and Principal Conductor for Life, states, “Since the inception of the International Masterclass on Chinese Music Conducting in 2009, co-organised by the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra and The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, I have witnessed 538 talented conductors pour their passion into their craft, with a record of 56 works performed and 46 lectures hosted. I have seen the discipline of Chinese music conducting evolve from the traditional 'oral transmission of esoteric knowledge' toward a systematic, international, and professional path. Following the Orchestra’s previous publication of the masterclass teaching materials, the signing of this MoU with The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts establishes a framework for long-term collaboration across various fields. Together, we are committed to institutionalising the cultivation of young talent and driving the sustainable advancement of Chinese music on a global scale.”
The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (www.hkapa.edu)
The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA), established by The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts Ordinance in 1984, is a world-leading higher education institution for the performing arts. It provides professionally-oriented undergraduate education and postgraduate studies in Chinese Opera, Dance, Drama, Film and Television, Music, and Theatre and Entertainment Arts. Its educational philosophy reflects the cultural diversity of Hong Kong with an emphasis on Chinese and Western traditions, and interdisciplinary learning. In the 2026 QS World University Rankings, the Academy ranks 10th for Performing Arts and 1st in Asia.
The Academy has been granted Programme Area Accreditation status by the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications to award its own Certificates, Diplomas, Bachelor’s (Honours) Degrees and Master’s Degrees. In the past four decades, more than 10,000 artists have graduated from the Academy, going on to become performing artists, creative arts practitioners, filmmakers, educators and cultural leaders with global impact – many have won international awards and shone in their respective artistic fields.
Besides the main campus in Wanchai, Béthanie, the Academy’s Landmark Heritage Campus in Pokfulam, houses educational facilities for the School of Film and Television.